Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen is set to drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the 2026 24 Hours of Nürburgring this May. Speculation about his participation in this event has been circulating for a while, but today Red Bull confirmed it with an entertaining sizzle reel in which skydiver Max Manow hands him a steering wheel inside a nuclear plant silo.
Verstappen will race with the factory-backed Winward team, competing under the Verstappen Racing name with number 3 displayed on the door. Factory drivers Lucas Auer and Jules Gounon, along with Genesis Hypercar driver Daniel Juncadella, will be his teammates, according to a statement from Formula 1 and Motorsport.com. There will be a sister car, number 80, driven by Maro Engel, Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz, as reported by the race website. Red Bull announced that the team will participate in several events prior to the race: NLS1, NLS2, and the 24-hour Nürburgring Qualifiers.
“The Nurburgring Nordschleife is an extraordinary place,” Verstappen remarked in a statement on F1’s site. “There’s no other circuit like it. The 24h Nurburgring is a race that has been on my bucket list for ages, so I’m really excited that we can make it happen now.”
“Last year, I obtained my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and took part in NLS9, which we won. That preparation is incredibly valuable, as we have gained a lot of knowledge that we can apply to our program this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race.”
Red Bull noted that “The starting grid at the Nürburgring 24 Hours is more varied than nearly any other endurance event. In addition to factory-supported GT3 teams, over 130 cars compete in more than 20 categories.”
Also included in Red Bull’s announcement is some valuable background information about the race and track for those who may not know:
“At more than 25 kilometers [15.5 miles] long, the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is the longest permanent racing circuit globally. During the 24-hour race, the drivers navigate the combined layout of the Nordschleife and GP circuit. This sums up to roughly 25.4 km per lap, featuring an astonishing 73 turns per lap.”
“The unique aspect of the Nordschleife is the altitude variation of approximately 300 meters between the peak at Hohe Acht (around 620 meters above sea level) and the bottom at Breidscheid (approximately 320 meters above sea level). This is distinct for a permanent racetrack.”
This event, the 54th edition of the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, will take place from May 14-17, 2026. Immediate updates are expected to appear first on the race’s official “experience online” page.
If you have a tip, send us a message at [email protected].
Max Verstappen to Race in Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring
Max Verstappen, the Dutch Formula 1 racer and reigning World Champion, is poised to make headlines once more as he gets ready to participate in the illustrious 24 Hours of Nürburgring. This endurance race, famed for its tough course and challenging conditions, will have Verstappen behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3, a car recognized for its performance and dependability in long-distance racing.
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring, held yearly in Germany, ranks among the most strenuous tests of motorsport endurance. The race occurs on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a 25-kilometer track that contains over 150 corners and various elevation changes, making it a favored choice among both drivers and spectators. The event draws a diverse range of competitors, from professional racing teams to amateur participants, all competing for victory in one of the world’s most demanding races.
Verstappen’s involvement in this event signifies a key moment in his career, highlighting his adaptability as a driver. While he is primarily celebrated for his accomplishments in Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing, participating in endurance racing introduces a different set of challenges. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 boasts a robust V8 engine and cutting-edge aerodynamics, establishing it as a strong contender in the GT racing sector. Verstappen’s background in high-pressure situations will be vital as he navigates the intricacies of the race.
Choosing to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring also reflects Verstappen’s ambition to expand his racing experiences and engage with fans outside Formula 1. Endurance racing demands not just speed but also strategic acumen, teamwork, and stamina, as drivers frequently share vehicles with teammates and must manage their performance over extended periods.
As the race day nears, fans and analysts are keen to see how Verstappen will adjust to the distinct requirements of the Nürburgring. His participation is anticipated to attract considerable attention, both from motorsport enthusiasts and the press, thereby reinforcing his status as one of the most thrilling talents in the racing world.
In conclusion, Max Verstappen’s entry into the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 is set to be an exhilarating spectacle. His capacity to flourish in various racing formats will be put to the test, and fans are eagerly looking forward to witnessing the performance of the youthful champion in this iconic endurance challenge.
admin